Above-ground termite station

ABSTRACT

In an above-ground termite station for detecting and controlling termites above ground in an operating configuration of the termite station, a container of the termite station defines an interior space and is at least in part configured for abutting against and being mounted on an above-ground mounting surface. The container is configurable between a closed configuration and an open configuration in which the interior space of the container is accessible while the container is mounted on the mounting surface. A cartridge is sized and configured for insertion in and removal from the interior space of the container and is generally an aggregation member, a bait matrix separate from the aggregation member, and a holder at least in part holding the aggregation member and bait matrix in assembly with the holder for positioning of the cartridge relative to the interior space of the container as a single unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/770,353, filed Jun. 28, 2007, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to termite stations for monitoringand/or suppressing termite infestations, and more particularly toabove-ground termite stations that are mountable on above-groundmounting surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Many pests, such as subterranean termites, present threats to buildingstructures or other wood or cellulose containing structures such astrees, fence posts and the like. In particular, while subterraneantermites primarily dwell in soil and often form large colonies, themembers of a colony commonly forage for food above ground, consumingfood located by the foraging termites and then returning to the colonyor nest site and sharing the food with their nestmates. Termites, whenforaging above-ground, often leave telltale signs of infestation, suchas termite tunnels visible on exterior surfaces or, where the foragingis substantially within the interior of a structure, holes visible inthe outer surface of the infested structure.

In-ground and above ground control devices or systems are known formonitoring and eliminating termite infestations. In-ground devicescommonly comprise a housing that is placed down into soil with amonitoring food source disposed in the housing that is edible bytermites and provided to encourage termites to feed within the housing.Once active feeding is indicated by the monitoring food source, it isreplaced by an edible bait matrix containing a toxicant whereby theforaging termites consume portions of the toxicant-containing bait andreturn portions of the toxicant-containing bait back to the nest tothereby eradicate or suppress the infestation. Other known in-grounddevices have an aggregation base or other attractant disposed in thehousing along with a separate toxicant containing bait whereby thetermites upon entering the housing locate the aggregation base, whichencourages further foraging within the housing so that the termites findand consume the toxicant-containing bait. In contrast, above-groundtermite control devices or systems consist of a station housing and abait matrix containing a toxicant. These above-ground systems forego anymonitoring phase and provide direct access to termites for readilyfeeding on a bait toxicant material.

While in-ground devices are readily located at a desired location byplacing the housing down into the soil, above-ground termite stationsmust be mounted on a structure or other mounting surface at a particularlocation of infestation, such as along the termite tunnel or over a holeformed by the foraging termites in the structure. Conventionalabove-ground termite stations typically comprise some form of a housingcontaining the internal termite control components and one or morefasteners that extend through precise locating holes formed in an outerpanel and an inner or base panel to secure the housing on the mountingsurface. In particular, there is typically a single locating holeassociated with each fastener to be used in mounting the termite stationhousing on the mounting surface. Effective locating of the termitestation in the desired location on the mounting surface along thetermite tunnel or over the visible opening in the structure requires agood site line through the housing to see the mounting surface behindthe termite station. It also requires flexibility in positioning thefastener openings at locations which are stable (i.e., relativelyundamaged) to provide the proper anchoring of the fastener in themounting surface.

Because these conventional above-ground termite stations are typicallyclosed or otherwise have few openings in the surface of the station thatoverlies the mounting surface it is often difficult for the user to seethrough the station onto the mounting surface to properly located thetermite station. Moreover, the relatively few mounting openings shapedonly for receiving a single fastener provides little flexibility tomove, e.g., shift the termite station relative to the desired locationand still be able to locate the fasteners in a stable location on themounting surface. There is a need, therefore, for a termite station thatprovides a more accurate ability to properly locate the termite stationon the mounting surface and/or provides increased flexibility in therange of locations along which the termite station may be mounted on themounting surface while maintaining the termite station in the desiredlocation relative to the termite tunnel or opening in the mountingsurface.

It is also common that over time the various internal components of thehousing, such as the toxicant-containing bait matrix, may requirereplacement. In some above-ground termite stations, the entire stationmust be removed and a new one mounted on the mounting surface at thesame or approximate location. In another known termite station, theouter cover of the station may be removed and another station stacked ontop of the existing station to provide additional bait. In yet anotherabove-ground type station the bait matrix is a loose material that ispacked into the station and when additional bait is needed it is eitherforced in around the feeding debris within the station or the stationmust be cleaned before additional bait can be added. There is a need,therefore, for a system that allows for a more efficient replacementprocedure to replace consumed internal components of the termitestation, maintains the established connection between termite foragingareas and the station housing, and one that combines a non-toxic feedingattractant with a toxicant containing bait matrix to encourage termiterecruitment and feeding within the station housing.

SUMMARY

An above-ground termite station for detecting and controlling termitesabove ground in an operating configuration of the termite station,according to one embodiment, generally comprises a container defining aninterior space and being at least in part configured for abuttingagainst and being mounted on an above-ground mounting surface. Thecontainer is configurable between a closed configuration and an openconfiguration in which the interior space of the container is accessiblewhile the container is mounted on the mounting surface. A cartridge issized and configured for insertion in and removal from the interiorspace of the container and generally comprises an aggregation member, abait matrix separate from the aggregation member, and a holder at leastin part holding the aggregation member and bait matrix in assembly withthe holder for positioning of the cartridge relative to the interiorspace of the container as a single unit.

In another embodiment, an above-ground termite station for detecting andcontrolling termites above ground in an operating configuration of thetermite station in which a bait matrix is disposed in the termitestation generally comprises a container having an interior space forcontaining the bait matrix, and a base in part defining the interiorspace and configured for opposed and abutting relationship with themounting surface to mount the base on the mounting surface. The base hasat least one opening therein. At least one fastener is extendable inpart through the at least one opening in the base to secure the base onthe mounting surface. The at least one opening and the at least onefastener are sized relative to each other such that the opening definesa fastener location range within said opening of at least about 0.25inches (6.35 mm).

In yet another embodiment, an above-ground termite station for detectingand controlling termites above ground in an operating configuration ofthe termite station in which a bait matrix is disposed in the termitestation generally comprises a container having an interior space forcontaining the bait matrix. A base of the container has an outer surfacefor opposed and abutting relationship with the mounting surface uponmounting the container on the mounting surface, and an inner surface inpart defining the interior space of the container. The base also has aplurality of openings therein through which termites on the mountingsurface may enter through the base into the interior space of thecontainer. Each of these openings tapers outward from the outer surfaceto the inner surface of the base to define an entry ramp from the outersurface into the interior space of the container.

A replaceable bait cartridge for disposition within a container of anabove-ground termite station to detect and control termites according toone embodiment generally comprises an aggregation member, a bait matrixseparate from the aggregation member, and a holder holding theaggregation member and bait matrix in assembly with the holder forinsertion and removal of the cartridge into and from the termite stationcontainer as a single unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a termite station witha lid of a container of the termite station illustrated in a closedposition of the lid;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with the termite stationin a storage configuration thereof with a cartridge disposed in thecontainer and the lid of the container illustrated in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the termite station container with thecontainer lid in its open position;

FIG. 3A is a side elevation thereof, with an access tab removed from thecontainer;

FIG. 3B is a front elevation thereof, with another access tab removedfrom the container;

FIG. 3C is a top perspective view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the termite station cartridge, with thecartridge removed from the container;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective of the termite station cartridge ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 6A is a view similar to FIG. 6 with the cartridge only partiallyexploded;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a holder of the cartridge, a cover, anaggregation member and a bait matrix of the cartridge having beenomitted to reveal internal construction of the holder;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the cartridge holder;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the termite station in an operatingconfiguration thereof, with the lid in its closed position and with aside panel of the container and portions of the cartridge holder andcover broken away, and with an access tab removed from the container;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the termite station container (with thecartridge removed) fastened on a vertical mounting surface along atermite tunnel that extends up the mounting surface;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged top plan view of the encircled portion of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a container opening and access tablocated along a side of the container;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a container opening and access tablocated at a corner of the container;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a termite station container according to asecond embodiment of a termite station, with a lid of the container inits open position;

FIG. 15A is a side elevation thereof; and

FIG. 15B is a front elevation thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, oneembodiment of a termite station is generally indicated at 21 andillustrated in the form of an above-ground termite station in what isreferred to herein as a storage configuration, such as upon initialpackaging or periods of non-use of the termite station. The termitestation 21 of this embodiment is an above-ground termite station in thatit is intended to be used above soil, such as by being secured on asuitable above-ground mounting surface including, without limitation, ontop of soil, on a generally horizontal surface, a sloped surface or avertical mounting surface (such as an interior or exterior wall of ahouse or building, a tree, a fence post or picket, and the like). Thetermite station 21 generally comprises a rectangular box-shapedcontainer, indicated generally at 23, having a base panel 25 (or bottompanel in the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1, broadly referred toherein as a base of the container), longitudinally opposite end panels27, laterally opposite side panels 29 and a lid 31 (broadly, a closure)together defining an interior space 33 (FIG. 3) of the container. Theend panels 27 and side panels 29 of the illustrated embodiment togetherbroadly define what is referred to herein as a side of the container 23.Accordingly, it is understood that the container 23 may be other thanrectangular box-shaped, such as cylindrical (which would have agenerally annular side) or another suitable shape, as long as the basepanel 25, the side and the lid 31 are configured and arranged totogether define the interior space 33 of the container.

The base panel 25 suitably has an outer surface 35 (FIG. 4) that faces amounting surface M (FIG. 10) upon which the termite station is mounted,and an inner surface 37 (FIG. 3) that faces inward of the container andin part defines the interior space 33 of the container. The illustratedbase panel 25 is rectangular and is suitably generally flat, or planar,so that substantially the entire outer surface 35 of the base panel isin opposed and abutting relationship with the mounting surface M uponmounting of the termite station 21. It is understood, however, that thebase panel 25 may be other than generally flat or planar such as byhaving a concave, convex or other non-planar configuration, so that lessthan the entire outer surface 35 of the base panel abuts against themounting surface, without departing from the scope of this invention.The illustrated end panels 27 and side panels 29 are also flat, orplanar and are oriented generally perpendicular to the base panel 25.Alternatively, the end panels 27 and/or the side panels 29 may be otherthan perpendicular to the base panel 25, such as angled outward orangled inward relative thereto, and may be other than flat, or planar.It is also contemplated that the end panels 27 and/or side panels 29 maybe curved, such as concave or convex, or other non-planar configuration.In one suitable embodiment, the container 23 may be constructed of adurable material that is not preferentially fed upon by termites, suchas, for example, an acrylic or high strength plastic. In anothersuitable embodiment the container 23 may be constructed of abiodegradable material that is not preferentially fed upon by termites,such as, for example, biopolymers derived from organic materials. In aparticularly suitable embodiment the container 23 is substantiallyopaque, although it is understood that the container may instead begenerally translucent or even transparent.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 10, the base panel 25 ismore suitably configured to permit mounting of the base panel itself(and hence the termite station container 23), to the desired mountingsurface M. For example, in the illustrated embodiment at least one andmore suitably a plurality of openings 39 are formed in the base panel 25in spaced relationship with, i.e., inward of, a peripheral edge 41 (FIG.4) of the base panel (the “peripheral edge” of the base panel beingdefined as the intersection of the base panel with the sidel, e.g., theend panels 27 and the side panels 29). As seen best in FIG. 11, theillustrated openings 39 each having a generally plus-sign or cross shape(i.e., comprised of intersecting elongate slots). However, it iscontemplated that these openings 39 may be of any shape withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention. It is also contemplated thatthe openings 39 need not all be of the same shape. Eleven such openings39 are formed in the base panel 25 of the illustrated embodiment, withone of the openings being centrally located (both longitudinally andlaterally) in the base panel. While the spacing between all elevenopenings 39 is non-uniform, it is understood that the spacing betweenthe openings may instead be uniform. It is also understood that more orless than eleven openings 39 may be formed in the base panel 25,including a single opening. Additionally, where multiple openings 39 arepresent in the base panel 25, as in the illustrated embodiment, thepattern or arrangement of the openings may be other than thatillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

These base panel openings 39 are used to mount the base panel 25 (andhence the container 23) on the mounting surface M using suitablefasteners such as screw fasteners 43 (FIG. 10) that extend in partthrough the openings and into the mounting surface. As illustrated inFIG. 11, each of the openings 39 is suitably sized in planar dimension(e.g., length and width, or diameter where the opening is circular)substantially larger than the cross-section of the shaft of the fastener43 so that the fastener may extend through the opening along arelatively large fastener location range. The term “fastener locationrange” is intended herein to mean the length of open space along whichthe fastener 43 may be located in a particular direction within theopening 39. In one suitable embodiment, for example, the fastenerlocation range provided by the opening 39 is at least about two timesthe maximum diameter of the shaft of the fastener (i.e. the portion thatextends through the opening upon fastening the base panel on themounting surface), more suitably at least three times the maximumdiameter, and even more suitably at least about 4 times the maximumdiameter. In other embodiments the fastener location range provided bythe opening 39 is the range of about 2 to about 6 times the maximumdiameter of the shaft of the fastener, more suitably in the range ofabout 3 to about 6 times and even more suitably in the range of about 4to about 6 times the maximum diameter of the shaft of the fastener. Inanother example, the fastener location range provided by the opening 39and fastener 43 illustrated in FIG. 11 is at least about 0.25 inches(about 6.35 mm), and is more suitably in the range of about 0.25 inchesto about 1.25 inches.

Providing a plurality of such openings 39 in the base panel 25 allowsthe base panel (and hence the termite station 21) to be arranged at adesired location on the mounting surface M, such as with one or more ofthe openings located over an opening (not shown) formed by termites inthe mounting surface, while providing sufficient additional openingsthrough which fasteners 43 may extend through the base panel into themounting surface at a more stable (e.g., less damaged) or strongersegment of the mounting surface. Thus, in such an embodiment the numberof openings 39 exceeds the number of fasteners used to fasten the basepanel on the mounting surface M by at least one. The openings 39 alsoallow the termite station 21 to be secured to the mounting surface M bypassing the fasteners 43 through a single structural member of thecontainer 23, i.e., the base panel 25, as opposed to multiple componentsthereof. For example, the lid 31 of the container 23 is free of openingsthat may otherwise be used as in the case with conventional designsbecause it is unnecessary for mounting fasteners to extend through thelid. This arrangement makes it easier to visually place the termitestation 21, and in particular the base panel 25, in the desired locationon the mounting surface M and also allows opening and closing of the lid31 while the termite station remains mounted on the mounting surface,and in particular without having to loosen or remove the mountingfasteners.

The openings 39 in the base panel 25 also provide multiple entry pointsfor the ingress and egress of termites to and from the interior space 33of the container 31 through the base panel 25. To this end, the basepanel is openings 39 are generally chamfered, or tapered outward (e.g.,expanding in planar dimension) from the base panel outer surface 35 tothe inner surface 37 thereof as illustrated in FIG. 12 so that thetapered portions act as entry ramps 45 into the interior space 33 of thecontainer 23, thereby reducing or minimizing discontinuities encounteredby termites entering the container. As an example, in one embodiment thetapered openings 39 define a ramp 45 angle from the outer surface 35 tothe inner surface 37 of the base panel 25 in the range of about 15 toabout 60 degrees, and more suitably of about 45 degrees.

Peripheral (i.e., side entry) openings 47 are formed in the end panels27 and side panels 29 (i.e., broadly, the side) of the illustratedcontainer 23 in spaced relationship with each other about the peripheryof the container. More suitably, these peripheral openings 47 extendfrom the respective end panels 27 and side panels 29 to the base panel25 (i.e., to the corners where the end panels and side panels meet thebase panel), to allow termites to enter the interior space 33 of thecontainer 23 from the sides thereof, such as along a termite tunnelformed along the mounting surface M (FIG. 10), instead of from behindthe base panel (i.e., other than through the openings 39 formed in thebase panel). In a particularly suitable embodiment, the peripheralopenings 47 formed in the end panels 27 and side panels 29 continue intothe base panel 25 so that termites that pass through the peripheralopenings are disposed further within the interior space 33 of thecontainer 23 before coming into contact with the container (i.e., withthe base panel). However, it is not necessary that the peripheralopenings 47 extend into the base panel 25 to remain within the scope ofthis invention. It is also contemplated that the base panel 25 may bechamfered or tapered where the peripheral openings 47 contact the basepanel, such as in a manner similar to the tapered openings 39 formed inthe base panel.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the peripheral openings 47 formed in oneend panel 27 are aligned with corresponding peripheral openings in theopposite end panel and peripheral openings in one side panel 29 arealigned with corresponding peripheral openings in the opposite sidepanel. The peripheral openings 47 formed in the side (e.g., the end andside panels 27, 29) of the container 23 allow the termite station 21 tobe mounted on a mounting surface M along a termite tunnel T, such as bybreaking the tunnel and placing the base panel 25 against the mountingsurface within the broken away portions of the tunnel aligned with oneor more of the peripheral openings as illustrated in FIG. 10. It isunderstood that the number of peripheral openings 47 provided in thecontainer 23 may be more or less than that of the illustrated container23, including only a single peripheral opening, without departing fromthe scope of this invention.

In the illustrated embodiment (as best illustrated in FIG. 4), theperipheral openings 47 are at least partially closed by respectiveaccess closures 50 that can be removed from the container to provideaccess through the peripheral opening. This allows the container to begenerally sealed about its periphery except at those peripheral openings47 that are aligned with the termite tunnel as in FIG. 10. Withparticular reference to FIG. 13 (illustrating one access closure 50located along the side of the termite station 21) and FIG. 14(illustrating one access closure located at a corner of the termitestation), the illustrated access closures 50 are removeably connected,and more suitably frangibly or rupturably connected to the container 23at the peripheral openings 47 so that the closures may be removed (suchas manually or by using a suitable punch tool, pliers, screw drive orother suitable tool) from the container to provide access to theinterior space of the container. For example, in the embodiments ofFIGS. 13 and 14, the access 50 closure is frangibly connected to thecontainer 23 at the respective peripheral opening 47 at three connectingwebs 52. The access closure 50 is generally L-shaped in cross-section,having an upstanding portion 54 that closes a portion of the peripheralopening in the side of the container 23 and a base portion 56 thatcloses a portion of the peripheral opening in the base panel 25 of thecontainer. In a particularly suitable embodiment the access closure 50is formed integrally with (e.g., molded as part of) the container 23.

It is contemplated, however, that the access closures 50 may be formedseparate from and removeably connected to the container at theperipheral openings 47, such as thermal welding, adhesive or othersuitable connecting technique without departing from the scope of thisinvention. It is also understood that in some embodiments the accessclosures 50 may be refastenably connected to the container 23 (such as,for example, by adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or other suitablemechanical fasteners) so that the termite station 21 can be reconfiguredand reused in treating a different termite tunnel or other infestationwithin the scope of this invention.

In another suitable embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 15, 15A and 15B,the access closures 50 are omitted from the container 23.

One or more raised spacing elements (e.g., nubs 49 as illustrated inFIG. 3, ribs, bumps, or other suitable locating elements) are providedon the inner surface 37 of the base panel 25 so as to extend out fromthe plane of the base panel into the interior space 33 of the container23. In particular, the spacing elements 49 are formed (e.g., molded inthe illustrated embodiment) integrally with the base panel 25 of thecontainer 23. However, these spacing elements 49 may alternatively beformed separate from the base panel 25 and secured to the inner surface37 thereof, such as by adhesive, welding or other suitable securementtechnique without departing from the scope of this invention. It isunderstood, though, that these spacing elements 49 may be omittedwithout departing from the scope of this invention.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the lid 31 (broadly, a closure for thecontainer 23) is suitably positionable between a closed position(FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG. 2) in which the interior space 33 ofthe container 23 is accessible. More particularly, the illustrated lid31 is hinged to the peripheral side wall of the container (e.g., to oneof the container side panels 29 as in the illustrated embodiment, or toone of the end panels 27) for hinged motion relative thereto, and moresuitable relative to the base panel 25, between the closed and openpositions of the lid. For example, as seen in FIG. 3A, the lid 31 may behinged to the side panel 29 in the manner of a “living hinge”—in whichthe lid is formed (e.g., molded) integrally with the side panel along athinned or scored connecting web 53 that is sufficiently flexible toallow hinged motion of the lid relative to the side panel. It isunderstood, though, that the lid 31 may be formed separate from the endpanels 27 and side panels 29 and mechanically hinged thereto by asuitable hinge mechanism (not shown) without departing from the scope ofthis invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a conventional latch and catcharrangement is provided (e.g., with one or more latch members 55 beingprovided on the lid 31 as in the illustrated embodiment and acorresponding catch or catches 57 being provided on the side panel 29and/or end panel 27 of the container 23, or vice versa) for releasablysecuring the lid in its closed position.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the lid 31 may instead beformed separate from the rest of the container 23 and be entirelyplaceable on and removable from the rest of the container. It is alsounderstood that any suitable releasable securement arrangement otherthan a latch and catch arrangement may be used to releasably secure thelid 31 it its closed position and remain within the scope of thisinvention. While in the illustrated embodiments herein the side (i.e.,the end and side panels 27, 29) of the container 23 is secured to (andmore suitably formed integrally with) the base panel 25, it iscontemplated that the side may instead be secured to the lid 31 andhinged to the base panel 25 for positioning along with the lid betweenthe closed and open positions thereof to provide access to the interiorspace 33 of the container.

A cartridge 51 is suitably sized and configured for disposition at leastin part within the container 23 and more suitably entirely within theinterior space 33 of the container in the closed position of thecontainer lid 31. With particular reference to FIG. 6, the cartridge 51comprises one or more internal components, and in the illustratedembodiment all of the internal components, of the termite station 21.For example, in the illustrated embodiment the cartridge 51 comprises anaggregation member (indicated generally at 61), at least one bait matrix(indicated generally at 63) separate from the aggregation member, and aholder (indicated generally at 65) for holding the aggregation member,bait matrix and holder in assembly for insertion in and/or removal fromthe container 23 as a single unit. It is understood, however, that thecartridge 51 may comprise the holder 65 and only the aggregation member61 or only the bait matrix 63 without departing from the scope of thisinvention. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the componentomitted from the cartridge 51 may be disposed otherwise within theinterior space 33 of the container 23 separate from the cartridge, or itmay be disposed exterior of the container, or it may be omittedaltogether.

The aggregation member 61 in one embodiment comprises an attractant, andmore suitably what is referred to herein as a non-physical attractant. A“non-physical” attractant is intended to refer herein to an attractantthat does not require physical contact by a termite to induce foraging.For example, in one particularly suitable embodiment the non-physicalattractant comprises a wood that has been heat treated at an elevatedtemperature, such as at least about 150 degrees C. (302 degrees F.) andmore suitably between about 150 degrees C. and 215 degrees C. (420degrees F.).

Wood is an organic material found as the primary content of the stems ofwoody plants (e.g., trees and shrubs). Dry wood is composed of fibers ofcellulose (from about 40 percent to about 50 percent by dry weight) andhemicelluloses (from about 20 percent to about 30 percent by dry weight)held together by lignin (from about 25 percent to about 30 percent bydry weight). Wood also contains extractives, which are compounds thatcan be extracted using various solvents and are often less than 500grams/mole in molecular weight. In general, these extractives constitutefrom about two percent to about eight percent (dry weight) of the woodcomponents.

Cellulose is the most abundant component in wood and plays a major rolein giving wood its mechanical strength. A molecule of cellulose consistsof β-D-glucose units bonded with β(1→4) lingages to form a long linearchain and has a molecular weight that ranges from several thousand tomany million grams/mole. The molecular chains in cellulose formelementary fibrils or micelles. The micelles align with the cellulosefibrils oriented in the same direction and are tightly packed together.Cellulose elementary fibrils are then layered together in parallel withhemicelluloses and pectins in between to form microfibrils. When themicrofibrils are aggregated in larger bundles and lignin impregnatedwithin the structure, fibrils are generated, which in turn form woodfibers.

Hemicelluloses comprise from about 20 percent to about 30 percent by dryweight. Smaller than cellulose molecules, the average molecular weightof hemicelluloses range from about 10,000 grams/mole to about 30,000grams/mole. The composition of hemicelluloses varies between hardwoods(i.e., oak, mahogany) and softwoods (i.e., pine, cedar). Thehemicelluloses of hardwoods are predominantly of glucuronoxylan (fromabout fifteen percent to about 30 percent) and to a minor extentglucomannan (from about two percent to about five percent). Thehemicelluloses of softwoods consists predominantly of galactoglucomannan(about twenty percent) and smaller amounts of arabinoglucuroxylan (fromabout five percent to about ten percent).

Pectins and starch are also found in wood, but typically in minoramounts, less than about one percent each. Pectins resemblehemicelluloses in structure and are found in the middle lamella, primarycell wall and tori of bordered pits and also to a small extent in thefibril structure. Starch can be found in parenchyma cells serving asstorage of nutrition for the living tree, and it consists of amylase andamylopectin.

Lignin is an amorphous polymer with a wide variation in configuration.Lignin is often considered to be the glue of the wood structure. Thebackbone of the lignin structure is based on three types of phenylpropane units: guaiacyl, syringyl, and p-hydroxyphenyl. Softwoodsconsist mainly of guaiacyl units and also to some extent ofp-hydroxyphenyl units. In contrast, hardwood lignins consist of syringlyand guaiacyl units.

When wood is dried, these chemical compounds that make up the structureof wood undergo various changes. In particular, according to oneembodiment herein, the aggregation member 61 comprises wood dried at anelevated temperature of between about 150 degrees C. (302 degrees F.)and about 215 degrees C. (420 degrees F.), whereat these chemicalchanges are different from those produced by drying at lower temperatureranges, such as below about 150 degrees C. (302 degrees F.). In anotherexemplary embodiment herein, the aggregation member 61 comprises woodthat is dried at an elevated temperature of between about 185 degrees C.(365 degrees F.) and about 215 degrees C. (420 degrees F.). Inparticular, it is believed that the heat-treated wood undergoes changesaffecting the available space for air and moisture in the wood. Inparticular, the porosity and permeability of the wood is changed. Theporosity defines the ratio of the volume fraction of void space within asolid. The permeability defines the rate of diffusion of a fluid througha porous body.

It is believed that after such treatment the porosity may increase asliquids and other compounds not strongly bound to the structure of thewood are removed with the heating of the wood, such as by evaporation.Taken alone, this change would indicate that such heat-treated woodwould be more hygroscopic than untreated wood, as there is moreavailable space within the wood. But this conclusion ignores the changesalso made to the permeability of the treated wood. Permeability existswhere cells and/or voids can interconnect to one another. For example,with a hardwood, intervessel pitting can create openings in membranes,allowing for improved permeability. It is believed that after such heattreatment, however, those membranes may become occluded or encrusted.Such occlusions decrease overall permeability. Moreover, the pits mayalso become aspirated, whereby the wood assumes a closed-cell structurethat again decreases overall permeability. It is also believed that suchheat treatment can cause substantial disconnection of adjacentmicrofibrils within the heat-treated wood. Whereas with living ornon-heat treated wood, these adjacent microfibrils provide structuresfor transport of liquid through the wood via normal translaminarvascular flow of phloem and xylem tissue. With their detachment, adisconnection is created within the wood that impedes the flow ofliquids, thereby decreasing hygroscopy (i.e., increasinghydrophobicity). It is also believed that the increased wood shrinkagethat occurs at the heat treatment temperature can lead to increaseddetachment of adjacent xylem tissue cells and adjacent phloem tissuecells (i.e., vascular cells), thereby inhibiting liquid passage throughnormal pathways of tissue cells. As would be understood by one skilledin the art, these changes depend upon the starting porosity,permeability, and density of the wood, but it is believed that suchchanges are generally applicable to many wood species. Moreover, suchheat treatment processes may cause other changes to the structure andnature of the wood not mentioned here without departing from the scopeof the embodiments of the present invention.

In addition to changes in hygroscopy and hydrophobicity, woodheat-treated in this manner also includes changes associated with otherchemical compounds normally bound to the cellulose materials in thewood. While not being bound to a particular theory, it is believed thatas part of the heat-treatment process, the bonds normally binding thesechemical compounds (e.g., volatile, semi-volatile, andnaturally-extractable compounds (e.g., aromatic compounds), such ascompounds derived from tannins, terpenes, and oils, among others) to thecellulose of the wood are broken, thereby allowing movement of thecompounds more readily from the wood and into the area surrounding thewood (e.g., soil), as compared with conventional wood decay. As such,these chemical compounds may be extracted, or released, and more readilyspread from the wood, thereby attracting termites to the wood.

Heat-treatment of wood in this manner generally proceeds as follows.First, the wood is dried to remove a substantial portion of the liquidfrom the wood. In one embodiment, the drying process occurs in a rangefrom about 110 degrees C. (230 degrees F.) to about 175 degrees C. (345degrees F.). The dried wood is then heated to and maintained at anelevated temperature, such as between about 150 degrees C. (302 degreesF.) and about 215 degrees C. (420 degrees F.), and more suitably betweenabout 185 degrees C. (365 degrees F.) and about 215 degrees C. (420degrees F.). It is contemplated that in other embodiments the elevatedtemperature at which the wood is heat-treated may exceed 215 degrees C.(420 degrees F.) as long as the temperature remains below the ignitiontemperature of the wood specimen to inhibit charring or burning of thetreated wood. The treated wood is suitably maintained at thistemperature for a time sufficient to undergo the changes describedabove. In one exemplary embodiment, the wood is maintained at theelevated temperature for between about two hours and about three hours.The dried wood material is then cooled by a suitable cooling method suchas air cooling, liquid cooling or other know method.

In one exemplary embodiment, the dried heat-treated wood may then bepartially rehydrated to increase the liquid content of the cellulosematerial to levels of between about one percent and about eighteenpercent. In still another exemplary embodiment, the heat-treated woodmay be partially rehydrated to levels of between about one percent andabout ten percent. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the dried woodmaterial may be partially rehydrated to levels of between about twopercent and about ten percent. It is understood, however, that theheat-treated wood need not be partially rehydrated, such that the liquidcontent in the dried wood is less than about one percent, withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention.

Experiment

In this experiment, samples of aspen wood heat-treated according to onesuitable embodiment and conventionally-treated aspen wood were evaluatedto determine Reticulitermues flavipes termite feeding preference betweenthese wood samples.

The heat-treated wood was processed as follows. The wood was cut to acommon board dimension, such as a standard 2×4 plank (i.e., crosssection of about 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) by about 89 millimeters(3.5 inches)). The wood was then placed within a kiln or hightemperature/pressure vessel. The temperature within the vessel wasincreased rapidly to about 100 degrees C. (212 degrees F.) and helduntil the wood uniformly reached approximately zero percent moisturecontent. The temperature was then steadily increased to and maintainedat about 185 degrees C. (365 degrees F.) for a period of about 120 to180 minutes. After drying, the temperature of the wood was decreased tobetween about 80 degrees C. (176 degrees F.) and about 90 degrees C.(194 degrees F.). A steam spray was used during the cooling period toreduce the temperature of the wood and to increase the moisture contentof the wood to between two percent and about ten percent. The entireheating and cooling down process took approximately 36 hours tocomplete.

The conventionally-treated aspen wood was kiln dried at a temperature ofabout 85 degrees C. (185 degrees F.) and about 90 degrees C. (195degrees F.) for about five to six days. After drying, theconventionally-treated aspen wood was allowed to cool to ambient.

The experiment was conducted utilizing both a choice and a no-choicelaboratory bioassay. The purpose of the study was to determine thepreference, based upon association and/or consumption, between the twowood samples described above. With the choice laboratory bioassay, 300termites by weight with 20 grams (0.7 ounce) of sand at 12% moisturewere added to a petri dish with an average weight across allreplications of an approximately 4 gram (0.141 ounce) portion of the twotypes of wood located in respective opposite halves of the petri dish.The termites were placed between the portions of wood and were allowedto move to and consume the wood they preferred. After 31 days, thetermites on or near each of the pieces of wood were counted. Inaddition, the termites were removed from the wood and the wood weighedto determine the amount consumed. This choice test was repeatedseventeen times with seventeen sets of 300 termites and new woodsamples.

For the no-choice bioassay, 300 termites by weight with 20 grams (0.7ounce) of sand at 12% moisture were added to a petri dish with anaverage weight across all replications of an approximately 4 gram (0.141ounce) portion of one of the wood samples. The termites were placedacross from the portion of wood and were allowed to move freely withinthe test chamber and consume the wood. After 31 days, the termites wereremoved from the wood and the wood weighed to determine the amountconsumed. This choice test was repeated five times with five sets of 300termites and new wood samples for each of the two different types(heat-treated and conventionally treated) of wood samples.

With respect to consumption in the choice bioassay, the woodheat-treated at elevated temperatures realized a mean consumption rateof 19.0 milligrams per gram of termites per day (19.0 milliounces perounce of termites per day) with a standard deviation of 2.9 over theseventeen choice tests. In contrast, the conventionally-treated woodrealized a consumption rate of 15.1 milligrams per gram of termites perday (15.1 milliounces per ounce of termites per day) with a standarddeviation of 5.0 over the seventeen choice tests. In the no-choicebioassay, the wood heat-treated at elevated temperatures realized aconsumption rate of 42.4 milligrams per gram of termites per day (42.4milliounces per ounce of termites per day) with a standard deviation of1.6 over the five no-choice tests. In contrast, theconventionally-treated wood realized a consumption rate of 37.5milligrams per gram of termites per day (37.5 milliounces per ounce oftermites per day) with a standard deviation of 5.6 over the fiveno-choice tests. Thus, for both the choice and no-choice bioassays, thewood that was heat-treated at elevated temperatures realized greaterconsumption rates than the conventionally-treated wood.

Moreover, when considering association, rather than consumption, themean number of termites over the seventeen choice bioassay tests locatedin the half of the petri dish including the wood that was heat-treatedat elevated temperatures was 183, with a standard deviation of 34. Incontrast, the mean number of termites located in the other half of thepetri dish including the conventionally-treated wood was 72, with astandard deviation of 40. Of the 300 termites included in eachexperiment, a mean of 47 died during the experiment. This resultoccurred even though the wood that was heat-treated at elevatedtemperatures was significantly drier, having less internal moisturecontent, than the conventionally-treated wood. This indicates, ratherunexpectedly, that the reduced moisture content of the wood heat-treatedat elevated temperatures did not deter the termites from feeding on thewood and even more unexpectedly it attracted more of the termites due tothe physical and/or chemical characteristics of the wood. Termites inthis study demonstrated significantly greater attraction to orpreference for the wood heat-treated at elevated temperatures ascompared to the conventionally treated wood.

In view of the above Experiment, the increased non-physical attractionand association preference of the wood heat-treated at elevatedtemperatures may significantly enhance the efficacy of a termitemonitoring and/or baiting station that includes such a wood. As a moreparticular example, the illustrated aggregation member 61 comprises asolid wood block 67 that has been heat-treated at elevated temperaturesas discussed above. It is understood, though, that the heat-treated woodfrom which the aggregation member 61 is made may alternatively be in amulch form, a powder form or other suitable form. The aggregation member61 is also suitably free from toxicant. For example, the above-describedheat-treated wood has no added or natural toxicants.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the aggregation member 61may instead comprise a non-toxic physical attractant, i.e., anattractant that once contacted by a termite promotes further foraging bytermites. Suitable examples of such physical attractants include,without limitation, paper, cardboard, wood (e.g., other than wood thathas been heat-treated in as described above) and other cellulosematerials. Additionally an agar matrix alone or combined with sugars(i.e., xylose, mannose, galactose) and/or purified cellulose materialsmay be used as the aggregation member 61 to attract termites due to itsmoisture content and/or feeding attractant.

The bait matrix 63 suitably comprises a non-toxic attractant and may ormay not carry a toxicant for eliminating or suppressing termiteinfestations. As one example, the illustrated bait matrix 61 comprises apurified cellulose powder compressed into one or more tablets 69.Without toxicant added to the bait matrix 61, the bait matrix may besuitably used to monitor for the presence of termites in the area of thetermite station 21. Toxicant, if added to the bait matrix 61, issuitably one or more of a delayed-action type toxicant, or an insectgrowth regulator, pathogen or metabolic inhibitor. One such toxic baitmatrix 61 is disclosed in co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,752 entitled“Termite Bait Composition and Method”, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. It is understood that other suitableknown monitoring and/or toxic bait matrix materials and/or compositionsmay used without departing from the scope of this invention. In theillustrated embodiment, four such toxic bait matrix tablets 69 are usedin the cartridge 51. However, it is contemplated that any number of baitmatrices, including a single bait matrix, may be used without departingfrom the scope of this invention.

The illustrated cartridge holder 65 comprises a cup portion 71configured generally as a pair of cylindrical cups 73 (e.g., each havinga closed end 75, an open end 77 and a side wall 79 extendingtherebetween) with overlapped segments so that the cup portion defines agenerally 8-shaped bait matrix pocket 81. The pocket 81 is suitablysized and configured for at least receiving, and more suitably forreceiving and retaining, the bait matrix 63 therein and more suitablyfor receiving and retaining one or more of the illustrated circulartablets 69 therein. For example, the figure 8-shaped pocket 81 of FIGS.6 and 7 is suitably capable of receiving and retaining therein at leasttwo circular bait matrix tablets 69 arranged in side-by-siderelationship (e.g., one in each generally cylindrical cup 73 thatdefines the pocket), and is more suitably sized (e.g., in depth) toreceive a stacked pair of the tablets in each of the cups, with theexposed surfaces of the uppermost bait matrix tablets being generallyflush with the open ends 77 of the cups. It is understood, however, thatthe pocket 81 may be shaped other than as illustrated in FIG. 7 and thatthe tablets 69 or other bait matrix disposed in the pocket may be shapedother than circular without departing from the scope of the invention.Additionally, it is contemplated that the cartridge holder 65 maycomprise two or more separate pockets instead of the single pocket 81illustrated in FIG. 7.

A plurality of projections, such as in the form of ribs 83 in theillustrated embodiment, are disposed lengthwise along the inner surfaceof each cup side wall 79 to extend laterally inward of the pocket 81formed by the generally cylindrical cups 73. For example, the ribs 83illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 extend lengthwise from the closed end 75 ofthe cup 73 to the open end 77 thereof and project sufficiently inwardfrom the inner surface of the cup side wall 79 to provide aninterference, or friction fit of the bait matrix tablets 69 within thepocket 81 to positively retain the tablets in the pocket. It isunderstood, though, that the ribs 83 need not extend the full lengthfrom the closed ends 75 to the open ends 77 of the cups 73 to remainwithin the scope of this invention. It is also contemplated that agreater or lesser number of ribs 83 or other suitable projections may beused to retain the bait matrix 61 or matrices within the cartridgeholder pocket 81. Standoff elements in the form of a plurality of nubs85 (FIGS. 6 and 7) are provided on the inner surface of the cup portion71 at the closed end 75 of each of the cups 73 to extend into therespective pocket 81. The standoff elements 85 space the tablets 69 fromthe closed ends 75 of the cups 73 to allow termites to move therebetweenwithin the pocket 81. In a particularly suitable embodiment, thestandoff elements 85 are provided by corresponding sockets 87 (FIG. 8)formed in the outer surface of the closed end 75 of each of the cups 73.These sockets 87 are configured and arranged to receive the spacingelements 49 that extend out from the inner surface 37 of the base panel25 to allow the cartridge to seat sufficiently into the container 23 inthe storage configuration of the termite station 21 so that the lid ofthe container can be closed.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cartridge holder 65 also has agenerally rectangular tray portion 91 formed integrally with andextending around the cup portion 71 of the cartridge holder to receive,and more suitably to receive and retain the aggregation member 61 in thecartridge holder. A support panel 93 (e.g., bottom) of the illustratedtray portion 91 (which also includes a peripheral side wall 95 definingthe depth of the tray portion) is suitably spaced lengthwise from theopen ends 77 of the generally cylindrical cups 73 so that theaggregation member 61 held by the tray portion at least in partsurrounds the cups in which the bait matrix 63 is disposed. It iscontemplated, however, that the support panel 93 of the tray portion 91may be located at substantially any position between the closed ends 75and the open ends 77 of the cups 73 without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In one particularly suitable embodiment, the aggregationmember 61 and the tray portion 91 of the holder 65 are sized relative toeach other to provide an interference or friction fit of the aggregationmember in the tray portion to thereby retain the aggregation member inthe holder. As best seen in FIG. 6, the heat-treated wood block 67 thatdefines the aggregation member 61 of the illustrated embodiment isgenerally rectangular and has a central opening 97 so that when seatedin the tray portion 91 of the holder 65 the wood block surrounds thecups 73 of the cup portion 71 proximate the open ends 77 of the cupswhile leaving centrally exposed the bait matrix tablets 69.

Suitable spacing structure is provided to space at least a portion ofthe aggregation member 61 from the base panel 25 in what is referred toherein as an operating configuration (FIG. 9) of the termite station 21to permit termites to readily move between the aggregation member andthe base panel. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 thespacing structure comprises four standoff elements 99 secured to andmore particularly formed integrally with the heat-treated wood block 67.It is understood that more or less than the four illustrated standoffelements 99 may be provided. The spacing structure may alternatively beformed into the aggregation member 61, such as grooves, slots or othervoids formed in the outer surface of the wood block 67, so that lessthan the entire outer surface of the wood block (e.g., where thegrooves, etc. are located) lies against the base panel 25 in theoperating configuration of the termite station 21. In other contemplatedembodiments, suitable spacing structure may be formed integrally withthe inner surface 37 of the base panel 25, or it may be formed separatefrom and attached thereto, at one or more locations contacted by theaggregation member 61 in the operating configuration of the termitestation 21. While less preferred, it is also understood that othersuitable spacing structure may be formed and remain separate from boththe cartridge 51 and the container 23 and disposed therebetween in thecontainer to space at least a portion of the aggregation member 61 fromthe base panel.

As best seen in FIG. 9, the spacing structure (e.g., standoff elements99 in the illustrated embodiment) spaces the outer surface of theaggregation member 61 (which faces the inner surface 37 of the basepanel 25 in the operating configuration of the termite station 21) adistance sufficient to allow termites to move freely (i.e., withouthaving to forage through the aggregation member) between the aggregationmember and the base panel. More suitably, the spacing between theaggregation member 61 and the base panel 25 is such that the termite'santennae can remain in contact with the aggregation member as thetermite moves past the aggregation member. As an example, the spacingstructure in one embodiment may space the aggregation member 61 from thebase panel 25 a distance in the range of about 0.20 cm to about 0.6 cm.The spacing elements 49 on the base panel 25 suitably space the baitmatrix 63 (e.g., tablets 69) from the base panel to allow movement oftermites between the base and the bait matrix.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, the cartridge 51 may optionally comprisea cover 101 adapted for releasable securement to the aggregation member61 and/or the cartridge holder 65, and more suitably to the peripheralside wall 95 of the tray portion 91 of the cartridge holder to define aninterior space of the cartridge in which the aggregation member and baitmatrix 63 are disposed so as to reduce their exposure to air and otherenvironmental conditions. It is understood, however, that the cover 101may be omitted from the cartridge 51 without departing from the scope ofthis invention.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a storage configuration of thetermite station 21 the cartridge 51 is disposed within the interiorspace 33 of the container 23 with the outer surfaces of the closed ends75 of the cartridge holder cups 73 facing the inner surface 37 of thebase panel 25 such that the cartridge cup portion sockets 81 receive thebase panel spacing members 49 to position the cartridge within thecontainer. The cover 101 of the cartridge 51 thus faces the lid 31 ofthe container 23 in this configuration with the lid in its closedposition. To mount the termite station 21 on a desired mounting surfaceM, the container lid 31 is moved to its open position to provide accessto the interior space 33 of the container 23 and the cartridge 51 isremoved from the container. With the lid 31 open and the cartridge 51removed as illustrated in FIG. 10, the outer surface 35 of the basepanel 25 is placed against the mounting surface M and suitable fasteners43 are used (i.e., extending through the base panel openings 39) tosecure the base panel (and hence the container 23) on the mountingsurface. If the cartridge 51 is to be further stored in the storageconfiguration of the termite station 21, it is simply placed back intothe container 23 in the prescribed orientation and the lid 31 is securedback in its closed position.

To use the termite station 21 for monitoring and/or treating againsttermite infestation, the lid 31 is opened and the cartridge 51 isremoved from the container 23. The cartridge cover 101 (if present) isremoved from the cartridge 51 to ex pose the aggregation member 61 andbait matrix tablets 69. The cartridge 51 is re-inserted, open end first,into the container 23 so that the aggregation member 61 now faces thebase panel 25 and is otherwise spaced from the base panel by thestandoff elements 99 (broadly, spacing structure) and the bait matrixtablets 69 are spaced from the base panel by spacing elements 49 asillustrated in FIG. 9. The lid 31 is then secured in its closed positionto fully enclose the cartridge 51 in the container 23, thereby definingthe operating configuration of the termite station 21. The aggregationmember 61 (e.g., the heat-treated wood block 67 in the illustratedembodiment), bait matrix 63 (e.g., the bait matrix tablets 69) andcartridge holder 65 are sized and configured relative to each other suchthat the aggregation member is nearer to the base panel 25 than the baitmatrix and is also nearer both laterally and longitudinally to theperipheral openings 47 formed in the end and side panels 27, 29 than thebait matrix in the operating configuration of the termite station.

In operation, with the termite station 21 configured in its operatingconfiguration, as termites approach the base panel 25 from outside thecontainer 23, either from behind the base panel or from the sides of thecontainer, they quickly enter through the openings 39 formed in the basepanel or through the peripheral openings 47 formed in the end and/orside panels 27, 29 where the corresponding access panels removed. Theplacement and arrangement of the aggregation member 61 relative to thebait matrix 63 (i.e., nearer to the base panel 25, end panels 27 andside panels 29 than the bait matrix) results in the termites firstencountering the aggregation member after entering the interior space 33of the container. Where the aggregation member 61 is a non-physicalattractant, such as the previously described heat-treated wood block 67,the termites may even be lured or drawn by the aggregation member intothe termite station 21. The termites, induced by the aggregation member61 to forage further within the container 23, ultimately discover andare induced to consume the bait matrix 63.

Where the bait matrix 63 is free from toxicant and is used instead formonitoring, the termites leave visual evidence of attacking the baitmatrix, such as exploratory tunnels built by termites as they consumethe bait material so that signs of termite infestation are left on thesurface of the material, or mud tubing constructed across the surface ofthe material or into the cup portion of the cartridge holder. By addingtoxicant to the bait matrix 63, foraging termites ingest thetoxicant-containing bait and return portions of the bait to the nestthrough the pre-existing network of passageways, thereby effectivelytreating against the infestation.

It is expected that over time the need to replace to the cartridge 51will arise, such as following long periods of non-infestation andexposure to environmental conditions, or following prolonged periods ofinfestation in which a substantial amount of the bait matrix 63 (e.g.,the tablets 69 of the illustrated embodiment) is consumed. The cartridge51 may be replaced by opening the lid 31, removing the old cartridge(e.g., as a single unit) and inserting a new one that includes a newaggregation member 61 and new tablets 69. Alternatively, if a newaggregation member 61 is not needed, just the bait matrix 63 (e.g., thetablets 69) may be replaced in the old cartridge 51 and the oldcartridge reinserted back into the container 23. Because the aggregationmember 61, bait matrix 63 and holder 65 are held in assembly as a singleunit, the entire cartridge 51 is readily replaced without having toreach into the termite station 21, i.e., only the cup portion 71 of theholder 65 need be grasped and pulled outward to remove the cartridgefrom the container 23.

While in the illustrated embodiments herein the termite station 21 is inthe form of an above-ground termite station, it is understood that theaggregation member 61 comprising the wood heat-treated at elevatedtemperatures as described herein may be used in an in-ground, orsubterranean termite station. One example of a suitable subterraneantermite station is illustrated and described in co-assigned U.S. Pat.No. 7,086,196 entitled Pest Control Device And Method, issued Aug. 8,2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by referenceto the extent it is consistent herewith. In such a termite station, ahousing having an open top is placed into the ground, followed by anaggregation base (which in one embodiment herein may comprise the woodheat-treated at elevated temperatures as described above) and a baitcontainer that contains a bait matrix. Alternatively the bait matrix maybe disposed in the housing without being contained in the baitcontainer.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s)thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above products and methodswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An above-ground termite station for detecting andcontrolling termites above ground in an operating configuration of thetermite station, said termite station being mountable on an above-groundmounting surface and comprising: a container defining an interior spaceand being configured for abutting against and being mounted on saidabove-ground mounting surface with the entire container above ground,the container being configurable between a closed configuration and anopen configuration in which the interior space of the container isaccessible while the container is mounted on said mounting surface; anda cartridge sized and configured for insertion in and removal from theinterior space of the container, said cartridge comprising anaggregation member, a bait matrix separate from the aggregation member,and a holder including a cup holding the aggregation member and baitmatrix at least partly within the holder when the cartridge is outsidethe container, the cup being configured to facilitate positioning of thecartridge relative to the interior space of the container as a singleunit, the cup, the bait matrix, and the aggregation member beingconfigured such that the aggregation member extends further than thebait matrix in the direction of insertion of the cartridge into thecontainer.
 2. The above-ground termite station set forth in claim 1wherein the container comprises a base, a side and a lid togetherdefining the interior space of the container, the base having at leasttwo openings therein in spaced relationship with said side of thecontainer, the container being mountable on the above-ground mountingsurface with the base in generally opposed relationship with andabutting against said mounting surface, at least the lid beingpositionable between a closed position and an open position to permitaccess to the interior space of the container.
 3. The above-groundtermite station set forth in claim 2 wherein the lid is hinged to theside of the container for hinged movement relative thereto between itsclosed and open positions.
 4. The above-ground termite station set forthin claim 1 wherein the aggregation member comprises a non-physicalattractant.
 5. The above-ground termite station set forth in claim 1wherein the side of the container is secured to the base.
 6. Theabove-ground termite station set forth in claim 1 wherein the baitmatrix contains a toxicant.
 7. The above-ground termite station setforth in claim 1 wherein the cartridge further comprises a removablecover for substantially enclosing, together with the holder, theaggregation member and the bait matrix in the cartridge in a storageconfiguration of the termite station the cartridge, including theremovable cover, being positionable entirely within the interior spaceof the container with the container lid in its closed position in thestorage configuration of the termite station.
 8. The above-groundtermite station set forth in claim 7 wherein in the storageconfiguration of the termite station the cartridge is disposed withinthe container with the lid of the container in its closed position andthe cover of said cartridge in opposed relationship with the lid of thecontainer.
 9. The above-ground termite station set forth in claim 1wherein the aggregation member, the bait matrix and the holder arearranged relative to each other such that in the operating configurationof the termite station the cartridge is disposed within the interiorspace of the container with the aggregation member being nearer to thebase than the bait matrix.
 10. The above-ground termite station setforth in claim 1 wherein the aggregation member, the bait matrix and theholder are arranged relative to each other such that in the operatingconfiguration of the termite station the cartridge is disposed withinthe interior space of the container with the aggregation member being inopposed relationship with the base and being nearer to the peripheralside of the container than the bait matrix.
 11. The above-ground termitestation set forth in claim 1 wherein the aggregation member comprises aphysical attractant.
 12. The above-ground termite station set forth inclaim 11 wherein the aggregation member comprises an agar matrix. 13.The termite station set forth in claim 1 wherein the cartridge furthercomprises a spacing structure to permit termites to move freely past theaggregation member.
 14. The termite station set forth in claim 1 whereinthe holder has an open end as the sole access to the interior of thecup.